Meet Tessa Silva, the Maje campaign star who turns milk into art

Since Judith Milgrom launched Maje in Paris in 1998, the brand has created a clear formula for a successful, ready-to-wear Parisian capsule wardrobe. In recent years, Maje has been spotted on the likes of Jennie Kim, Bella Hadid, Elsa Hosk and Daisy Edgar-Jones. 

Now, for its latest campaign, made in collaboration with Dazed Studio, the French fashion house is stepping further into the spotlight of sustainability. For this project, photographer Benedict Brink and stylist Charlotte Roberts joined forces to spotlight artist Tessa Silva, whose practice centers on sustainable craft, aligning perfectly with Maje’s renewed focus on circularity in fashion.

At the heart of this campaign lies Maje’s commitment to extending the lifespan of its pieces. The brand’s second-hand platform, launched in 2022, offers enthusiasts a seamless way to buy and sell pre-loved Maje garments, fostering a community built around more responsible consumption. Additionally, Maje’s repair service promises a new lease on life for damaged items, partnering with Save Your Wardrobe to ensure each piece is handled with expert care. For those seeking short-term wardrobe refreshes, Maje’s rental service, which was introduced in 2021, provides a flexible way to engage with fashion without excess waste.

Born and raised in London to a British mother and Brazilian father, artist Tessa Silva adds a layer of storytelling to the campaign. Known for her exploration of sustainable materials and circular processes, Silva’s work reimagines discarded objects into poignant, thought-provoking sculptures. Her practice, grounded in ecological awareness, mirrors Maje’s ethos of creating with care and intention. With her series Feminised Protein, she famously uses waste milk as a raw material, examining how things in our everyday lives can be repurposed in innovative ways. As both artist and muse, Silva’s presence underscores the importance of innovation, proving that sustainability and creativity can coexist beautifully.

Below Tessa spoke to us about her journey, creative practices and why working with Maje felt like a natural pairing.

Could you tell us a bit about your creative journey? When did you first get involved with visual art and sculpture? What first drew you to it?

Tessa Silva: Having studied architecture and then design in an effort to be ‘employable’, I was always envious of those pursuing an education in fine arts. I have however found my practice growing more conceptual as I’ve developed the courage to explore true interests. Having restless hands means I always need to be making, and sculpture has become the outlet. It is my silent way of starting a dialogue, by filling space with physical objects and forms.

Are there any other artists, writers or movements that have informed or inspired your work and perspective over the years?

Tessa Silva: I’m sure that everything I have consumed has informed my methodology, and it changes weekly. I’m inspired by storytellers throughout time, the myths and legends that trickle down the generations. Currently up on my studio wall are images of the extravagant carvings of the Rococo movement, when stone carvers made marble look like butter; images of the million-years-old Gogotte mineral formations, to remind me that nature will always surpass any human-made beauty; and yellow-brown-purple-red oil paintings by my partner, whose work and dedication are forever inspiring.

How do you define your work?

Tessa Silva: I make work that straddles the line between sculpture and furniture, most pieces are categorised by functionality, but form and narrative are always more important.

When did you first start working with milk, what prompted it and do you remember the first piece you made with it?

Tessa Silva: I’ve been working with milk for eight years. The journey began with research into pre-industrial materials and ancient crafting techniques. In the 16th century, milk was used as a building material, so by revisiting and adapting historical processes I’ve managed to develop a method of working that is completely unique to me, and utilises a natural material. The first sample I made quickly grew a thick layer of green fuzzy mould… it’s been a long journey.

What do you hope to communicate through your work? Is there an overarching message you hope to get across?

Tessa Silva: The milk I use is sourced from a very small organic farm, and is a waste product. By repurposing this disposed-of fluid and giving it a tangible form, my aim is to turn something perishable into something enduring, fostering a dialogue on sustainability and modern waste while resonating with a history of exploitation. I use craft as a tool to explore the female mammals’ role in a patriarchal social and cultural structure, making work as an homage to the sacrifice that has taken place in order for these pieces to exist.

What does sustainability mean for you?

Tessa Silva: Within my practice, it means respecting natural processes to produce pieces with intention, that live long and harmoniously.

What about Maje aligns with your own personal ethos?

Tessa Silva: I’m glad to see Maje acknowledging the harm that fast fashion causes and working toward less waste. My wardrobe mainly consists of second-hand clothing, so I think integrating that model into the brand is a great initiative.

How did you feel wearing the collection?

Tessa Silva: Glamorous!

Did you have a favourite look from the collection?

Tessa Silva: The full grey knitwear look. It managed to make me feel both cosy and sexy (which is impressive).

What was the shoot like, do you have any favourite moments from being on set?

Tessa Silva: The team were extremely kind and friendly, which made me feel comfortable and meant I relaxed into the role. The communication was great so I found it easy to work with everyone, and it was good to get out of London for the day and breathe in some fresh air. Being 6ft tall I never wear heels, so I loved the opportunity to trot around in those fabulous boots. Having Erin work her magic on my face was also especially fun.

Head to the gallery above to check out the full campaign. Head here to find out more about Maje’s sustainability commitments and here to shop.